Project1134A

Project1134A refers to a proposed Soviet naval program for a class of large anti-submarine warfare (ASW) cruisers. The designation Project 1134A is a NATO reporting name, with the Soviet designation being the Berkut-A class. These ships were developed in the late 1960s and early 1970s, intended to counter the growing threat of Western nuclear submarines.

The design aimed to provide Soviet naval forces with a capable platform for ASW operations in the open ocean, including sonar detection, torpedo and missile armament, and helicopter support. Project 1134A ships were significantly larger and more heavily armed than their predecessors, the Project 1134 class. Key features included advanced sonar systems, including a large bow-mounted sonar array, and a comprehensive suite of ASW weapons such as anti-submarine rockets and torpedoes.

A total of ten ships of the Project 1134A class were built. These vessels served with the Soviet Navy and later the Russian Navy, undertaking various missions including ASW patrols, fleet air defense, and showing the flag operations. While designed primarily for ASW, they also possessed some capability for anti-surface warfare and air defense. The ships were gradually phased out of service from the late 1980s onwards, being replaced by newer and more advanced naval assets. The Project 1134A class represented an important step in Soviet naval development, contributing to their growing blue-water capabilities.